Davita Health benefits

[OB6658]

Hello, I know from reading the many posts that "Davita" tends to be a sore subject for nurses that have worked there and frankly, I confused as to what to do. I'm an experienced nurse, out of work 6+ months, and not too many jobs in my area of experience looking my way and I got the dreaded mortgage to pay.

Anyway, people keep telling me to try the dialysis route, they will train you. While I have no dialysis experience, I do have critical care experience. I know the pay is lots lower. (seems I would be taking a large pay cut), but I need the benefits. Especially the health insurance.

Question, in Southern CA., anybody working at Davita, could you tell me the health plans they offer? Are they all HMO or do they have a PPO?

My Nephrologist offered to take me over to the center he uses today and introduce me if I was interested in working there. He seems to think its a "great job", but then again, he is the MD, not the nurse (who is there 12+ hours!) He said it is 50 beds. Do you know what the staff mix would be?

Any other info about Davita is appreciated. I read alot of horror stories, but I believe it also depends on the place, area, people you work with, etc..

THanks for any help.

[GeauxNursing]

50 beds? Geez, we're a madhouse with 16(chairs) in use!! Your love or hate of Davita will solely depend on the team mates you work with. Well, mostly. I think my benefits are great. I just got my summary in the mail, a propaganda piece mostly, that told me "how much Davita gave me last year! Bonuses, company contributions! Insurance savings!" At Davita they want you to know that it isn't just about base pay, but all the "financial perks" you get throughout the year. And I can't complain. I got 2 bonuses last year totaling 1500 dollars. One in September-ish and then one about 2 weeks before Christmas. Pretty nice. But the CEO makes billions of gajillions of dollars a year, you'd think he would be more generous sometimes.

Davita is good.

Dialysis is hard work though.

good luck!

[OB6658]

GeauxNursing, Thanks for the head up! Appreciate the info.

Anyone else out there working in Southern CA at Davita? Info appreciated on working with this company and which center you at. I know the working atmosphere is dependent on the o/p center, its policies, nurse-pt. ratio and its teammates.

I would hate to lose my current personal physicians. That's why I want to know which companys Davita uses for their health care benefits and if it is PPO or HMO. THanks!